Physical and morphological properties of UV-cured cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) based nanocomposite coatings for wood furniture

In this study, UV curable high solid content wood coating systems with high performance were developed by using cellulose nanocrystal (CNC). CNC modified by a cationic surfactant was added to the coating system at two loadings (1 and 3%). Water uptake and permeability, optical clarity and glass transition temperatures (T-g) of these new nanocomposite coatings were measured. The quality of CNC dispersion in the matrix was also studied. Results showed that CNC improved the barrier and optical properties of the nanocomposite coatings. T-g of the polymer matrix did not change significantly with the addition of CNC. The quality of CNC dispersion in the polymer matrix was a function of CNC loading. High CNC loading (3%) resulted in sizable agglomeration, but this agglomeration did not negatively impact coating performance. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.